Love and Conservation
Local Farms are finding a new cash crop in the form of love by transforming into a backdrop for rustic weddings.
photograph by Vincent Ha Photography — Jen Ha
“I always wanted to get married locally in a barn.”
Samantha Moretz realized her dream last May at Springfield Barn where she married U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Robert Moretz. The 263-year-old barn overlooks Byron Memorial Park and is one of the largest of its kind in Maryland. The quest for a beautiful off-the-beaten-path wedding destination is growing increasingly common. Erin Moshier, the owner of Green Hill Farm, notes that her homestead has hosted weddings for couples from Baltimore, Washington D.C., and as far away as Philadelphia — though the majority of couples have come from Washington County.
Just east of the South Mountain ridge, Ostertag Vistas offers guests acres of farm land, mountain views, virtually unlimited outdoor capacity, and a large 19th-century German Swiss bank barn, which is the focal point for wedding receptions. The beauty of a barn wedding is that the venue can be dressed up or dressed down to what-ever the clients’ desires. Whether guests show up in boots and flannel, ball gowns and white ties, these classic structures are awash in beautiful photo opportunities. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. A quick Googling of “Maryland barn wedding” turns up scores of options. And those who celebrate their big day under exposed cedar beams and ceiling masts are helping preserve a part of the area’s rich agricultural history.
But just as a warning, if your wedding plans involve farmland and a restored barn, give yourself plenty of planning time, because they have never been more in demand and book up far in advance.
The Barn at Springfield Farm
12 Springfield Lane | Williamsport, MD | 301.223.7229 | www.williamsportmd.gov
“It’s funny, because when we toured the venue I fell in love with the inside and knew that’s where we had to have our wedding! Looking back on all of the photos [now], I’m obsessed with the outside,” Sarah Jane Paul says of Springfield Barn. When she and her husband Alex tied the knot last October, the couple used nearly every inch of the 5,000 square feet of available interior space, and utilized the surrounding acreage and facilities as a setting for dramatic photo-ops.
Ostertag Vistas
11847 Easterday Road | Myersville, MD | 301.293.3099 | www.ostertagvistas.com
Raven Jones and John Fergusen chose Ostertag Vistas for their wedding, and explored a portion of 164 acres of meadows, streams, wooded areas, and manicured farmland as a setting for extraordinary memories. In addition to the German Swiss bank barn, Ostertag also hosts wedding ceremonies in the old log cabin, near the weeping willow tree, at the site’s amphitheater, and the indoor stable. There are also bride and groom suites for getting ready for your big day, and if necessary, the staff are more than capable of assisting with planning services.
Green Hill Farm
5329 Mondell Road | Sharpsburg, MD | 240.329.6732 | www.ghfarm.org
Avery and Emily Simmons celebrated their big day last October at Green Hill Farm, which is an all-weekend wedding venue that caters to those looking for a slightly more relaxed, country feel. The couple were able to rehearse, decorate, celebrate, and unwind on its 24 secluded acres. Surrounded by historic buildings and lush landscapes, Green Hill Farm is an all-inclusive venue that opened up for business in 2016. The owners also maintain a décor shed with an eclectic mix of vintage and new items like hanging lanterns and vintage china, that can really tie your wedding together.
From the décor to the flower garden, bridal parlor, to available in-house vendors, Green Hill Farm offers brides and grooms a laid-back experience for a rustic or elegant night that won’t soon be forgotten.
